Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

Management of secondary infections is important to minimize their impact on themother’s nutritional status. This management includes promoting the treatment ofopportunistic infections and management of common HIV symptoms that are dietrelated, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, anorexia (loss of appetite), tastechanges, sores in the mouth or throat (thrush), constipation, heartburn, andbloating. Some of these common HIV symptoms (i.e., nausea, vomiting, constipation,heartburn, and bloating) are also common in pregnancy.Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, oral thrush, constipation, heartburn, and bloating canhave a serious impact on the HIV-infected pregnant woman’s nutritional statusbecause they reduce food intake. Diarrhea and vomiting increase nutrient losses,and fever increases nutrient requirements. Management of these symptoms shouldbe prompt to minimize their impact on the nutritional status and health of themother.Nutritional care should be part of a comprehensive program that provides healthcare as well as emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for the HIV-infectedmother and her family.Goals of nutritional care and support for the HIV-infected pregnant orlactating woman or adolescent girl (slide 31)Lwanga (2001) lists the following goals of nutritional care and support for HIVinfectedpregnant women (slide 32):• Improve nutritional status. Maintain weight, prevent weight loss, and preservelean body mass.• Ensure adequate weight gain during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should gainat least 1 kg per month during the second and third trimesters.• Ensure adequate nutrient intake by improving eating habits and building storesof essential nutrients (both macronutrients and micronutrients). Thesenutrients include carbohydrates, protein, important antioxidant nutrients, andother vitamins and minerals necessary for the functioning of the immunesystem.141